MCBC MTB Victory
Breaking News: Bridges to Solve the Creek Crossing in Cascade Canyon
Following a public workshop and input from MCBC members, Marin County Parks has approved the proposal to construct two recreational multi-use bridges and adopt a change in use on a segment of the Canyon Trail in Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve. This follows from an effort to reduce the impact to steelhead, which are federally protected and spawn in San Anselmo Creek at the base of the famous fire road.
Construction of the San Anselmo Creek bridges will allow the Marin County Open Space District to decommission the High Water Trail, which does not meet safety standards. It is anticipated that construction of the Cascade Canyon bridges will begin in summer 2017.
With respect to the Happersberger Trail, proposed decommissioning is delayed until it can be implemented in association with a project that provides a similar recreational experience in the general vicinity of the Cascade Canyon Preserve. In the meantime, the trail remains undesignated and, as such, is closed to bicycling, horses, and dogs.
The complete memo from the Open Space District is available on the Road and Trail Projects webpage.
In November 2011, MCBC voiced support for the closure of Repack Fire Road on Thanksgiving – pledging at the time to find a solution to get all users out of the creek.
After months of confidential mediation with parties that oppose sharing trails with bikes, Marin Water staff has settled with the litigants and agreed to rescind the two previously approved pilots. A modified two year Class 1 E-bike pilot will be allowed to proceed. We are deeply disappointed in this development but will continue to work toward our trail sharing goals.